4 Best Restaurants in West Yellowstone, Helena, Bozeman, and Southwest Montana

Firehole Bar-B-Que

$
You'll find expertly prepared, slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone barbecue in this no-frills barn-style restaurant a few blocks from Yellowstone's West Entrance. Order at the counter, then wait for your feast of tender brisket, pork, turkey, St. Louis–style ribs, or buffalo sausage to appear. There's a good selection of sides, too. Note the lack of an alcohol license.
Dinner Barbecue $
120 Firehole Ave., West Yellowstone, Montana, 59758, USA
406-641–0020
www.fireholebbqco.com
Known For
  • smoked meats by the pound (perfect for park picnic supplies)
  • smoked buffalo sausage links
  • house barbecue sauce available to go by the bottle

Madison Crossing Lounge

$$$
This handsome bistro and cocktail lounge set in part of West Yellowstone's 1918 former school building is an inviting spot for drinks—there's an encyclopedic wine, craft beer, and cocktail list—and appetizers. But if you're seeking a more substantial meal, consider the flat-iron steak with chimichurri sauce or a burger topped with smoked bacon and huckleberry-chipotle jam.
Modern American Dinner $$$
121 Madison Ave., West Yellowstone, Montana, 59758, USA
406-646–7621
www.madisoncrossinglounge.com
Known For
  • nachos with bison chorizo
  • attractive fireplace-warmed dining room
  • creative cocktails
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–mid-Dec. No lunch

Running Bear Pancake House

$

All the pies, muffins, and cinnamon rolls are made on the premises at this casual, family-friendly eatery. There are a lot of choices, but trust the name and go for the buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes topped with blueberries, strawberries, peaches, coconut, walnuts, or chocolate chips. Breakfast is served all day. There's also a basic lunch menu with sandwiches and salads and box lunches to go.

American Breakfast Lunch $ Family
538 Madison Ave., West Yellowstone, Montana, 59758, USA
406-646–7703
www.runningbearph.com
Known For
  • several varieties of pancakes, plain and topped
  • espresso drinks using locally roasted beans
  • woodsy decor
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Credit cards accepted

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Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon

$$

Aaron and Megan Hecht make superb pizzas with crispy crusts, flavorful sauces, and memorable frontier names. Folks also come for the sandwiches, pasta dishes, and the live music hosted at the adjacent saloon.

Pizza Quick Bite $$ Family Lunch Dinner
14 Madison Ave., West Yellowstone, Montana, 59758, USA
406-646–4400
www.wildwestpizza.com
Known For
  • pizza sauce that's a family recipe
  • the Sitting Bull pie, topped with various meats
  • the Calamity Jane pie, with a white sauce, mushrooms, and other veggies
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted